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Terry
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 08:44 pm |
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| My son is a rising senior and we have received his schedule for next year. I (not my son) am a firm believer in *study hall* so I insisted that he take one senior year, and he reluctantly agreed. Last year, I had to practically force him, then he went and signed up for an extra afterschool class so it barely helped anyway. NOW, he is having second thoughts about taking a study hall next year. His concern is that since he has taken 7 academic classes every year, to take just 6 senior year will make him look bad. Since one of his senior classes is not an AP (fine arts requirement for graduation) he is thinking of adding on one more class. I think this is an awful idea, what do you think?
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Deja
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 08:58 pm |
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Terry, my son has refused to take a studyhall, too. Each year he has taken 8 classes (block schedule). He is also a rising high school senior. He decided to have a free block (finally!). Since he will be a senior, he will either be allowed to come in late every other day (we are hoping for this option!) or be allowed to leave early every other day, providing that free block is first or fourth block.
I don't think it's going to look bad for colleges -- most kids in my school system take 7 classes each year.
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Descartes
Super Moderator
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 10:05 pm |
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No study halls or "free blocks" at S's school. All classes, all the time, for everyone. I haven't noticed that he needs time during school in which to complete his work.
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 10:13 pm |
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There are no study halls at the school my kids' attended either, except for students with LDs. And, please let your son know that it is not necessary to sign up for every single AP course offered in order to get into a great college.
However, with that said, I think this is one of those things that I'd consider leaving up to him to decide. If he is set on taking the maximum courseload, and is sure he can handle it along with everything else senior year brings, then I'd let him give it a try.
What's the worst that could happen?
Don't forget: He'll be setting his own schedule in college in a year. Maybe he'll learn something important from living with his own choices this year.
Last edited on Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 10:17 pm by CarolynLawrence
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Terry
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 10:40 pm |
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| I really like the idea of a study hall - not so much for the sake of getting schoolwork done, but for the benefit of getting a little breather during the day. Last year my son really needed the break, though he would never admit it. In addition to his classes and EC's, he was going to school before school for an advisory panel and staying after school for an extra law class. He practically lived on campus. According to him this is just the typical high school day. It sounds exhausting to me especially when you add in tournaments, internships and volunteer work, etc. He even tried to give up his lunch hour to do an independent study in Latin, but I refused to give permission. "It's ok Mom, I'll just eat a granola bar on the way to class" He and his classmates don't seem to know any other way than to do more, more, more. If I had it my way, he would have recess and nap time too. LOL.
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WestrnMom
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 10:45 pm |
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I would suggest taking one less class if they can go in late or get out early. As part of the school day, not so much, unless as Carolyn said, the students have LDs. Then that time is spent (or should be) getting extra help with subjects and homework. But when my daughter was in a school that allowed them, I usually saw the students hanging around in the hallways and gabbing, not studying. What about a fun elective that doesn't have too much homework, like something in the arts or creative writing?
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Terry
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 11:12 pm |
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He will in fact be taking a fun class, it is a fine arts requirement. Other than that he will be taking AP Lit, AP Govt, AP Physics, AP Stats and AP Spanish. He thinks he wants to take one more academic class, so he doesn't look like a slacker (LOL) I would prefer that he just take the study hall (I think they call it a "free period"?) and forget about another class. I agree that he doesn't have to take every AP class there is - he will graduate with 12, I think that is enough.
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mominva
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 11:40 pm |
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S had a 'study hall/free period' in senior year, but it was 2nd period. He couldn't stand the idleness at that time of day; within a week he was a 2nd period 'attendance office aide'. It was one more 'no stress' service activity for his application.
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:10 am |
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Terry wrote: He will in fact be taking a fun class, it is a fine arts requirement. Other than that he will be taking AP Lit, AP Govt, AP Physics, AP Stats and AP Spanish. He thinks he wants to take one more academic class, so he doesn't look like a slacker (LOL) I would prefer that he just take the study hall (I think they call it a "free period"?) and forget about another class. I agree that he doesn't have to take every AP class there is - he will graduate with 12, I think that is enough.
Terry, a few thoughts:
First, it's important for your son to understand that colleges aren't just looking at the number of courses, even AP courses, that you've taken. What they're looking for are signs of intellectual curiousity. So, if he insists on adding another course, he should try to add one that is something he is truly interested in, not just one that he thinks will "look good for college."
Second, suggest that your son talk to his guidance counselor about whether he/she will be checking the "most rigorous courses possible" box on the counselor recommendation. If so, he will not be viewed as a slacker, and one more AP course will not make a huge difference in the greater scheme of things. (You can also tell him that, as a college counselor, I've seen lots of kids get into some tippy top schools with far fewer than 12 AP courses)
You might also encourage your son to ask for a copy of the School Profile that will accompany his transcript and school recommendation. These typically explain what the school's graduation requirements are, so the colleges will know that he had to take that art class to graduate, and won't hold it against him. (And, increasingly, colleges do like to see some fine/performing arts in the mix).
I would also chat with him a bit more about his concerns and reasons for wanting that extra course. Is he worried about keeping up with his friends? Is he having some doubts about his eligibility for the schools on his list? Or, is he just worried about being bored without enough challenging courses.
If it's peer pressure or worry about getting in that's driving his decision, he might need some more support from his counselor and you to assure him that he is in good shape already. If it is the last - he's worried about being bored, and LIKES to be challenged - then, really, there won't be much harm to letting him give it a go. I applaud kids like that! Again: what is the worst that could happen?
Last edited on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:24 am by CarolynLawrence
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Terry
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:35 am |
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Thank you Carolyn.
I know my son emails his school college counselor from time to time - we met once at the end of junior year maybe we will again senior year? We will find out what box she will be checking off. She seemed to be really knowledgeable about admissions. I do remember her mentioning that his taking Latin 4 after Latin 2 (skipped 3 and self studied over the summer) was a good thing so hopefully his taking 6 instead of 7 classes will not be a bad thing. Unfortunately, the guidance counselor at my son's school (the one who schedules the classes) is not in the same department as the college counselor who fills out the checklist so we may have to speak to two people. As much as I love the idea of a study hall for my son, you're right - at some point he has to make these kinds of decisions himself. I haven't given up on "lobbying" for study hall, though. 
I am not sure exactly what his motivation is, but he always wants to do more. All his friends are like that too - pack mentality? -they seem to think it's the norm. It exhausts me to watch.
Last edited on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:40 am by Terry
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:39 am |
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Just make sure that you know who will actually be writing his school recommendation letter. It can get tricky when there is a separate college counselor and a separate guidance counselor, but usually there is some set policy on who writes the recommendation.
Your son should definitely be meeting with who ever will be writing his recommendation early in the year. I do suggest that students prepare some materials for who ever will be writing their counseling recommendation - an activity sheet, some details about their goals, the reasons they are choosing their colleges, and, perhaps most overlooked, a copy of their essays, even if only the drafts. All of that can be helpful to the person writing the recommendation letter.
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 12:58 am |
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Terry, I just want to add one more thing that a dear friend shared with me at the start of my daughter's senior year.
For us parents, letting go is really hard. But, the letting go process needs to begin in earnest in senior year, long before we're dropping the kid off at college.
Part of that letting go process is sloooowly letting our kids take control of their lives and letting them start making choices for themselves, even if we sometimes cringe at their choices or things don't turn out well.
Bit by bit, we have to turn that process over to them and start trusting them to figure things out for themselves so that they (and We!) will be ready and prepared when they head off to college and we won't be around on a daily basis.
Sometimes, that means we parents have to slap on some industrial strength duct tape over our mouths in senior year to keep from saying what we really think. But, It's better to let our kids start making mistakes - and fixing them on their own - now, while we're still around on a day to day basis to supervise, then it is to let them arrive at college without knowing how to make decisions or fix their messes for themselves.
Of course, parents should always step in if there's a life-threatening situation brewing, but otherwise, senior year is mainly about letting go: gradually starting to give both kids more freedom and control over their lives AND giving parents practice with learning to trust that they will be OK (mostly) without us. ( )
Ultimately, it makes saying good-bye at the college gate a little easier (not much, but some).
So, stock up on the duct tape at Home Depot. You'll find lots of opportunities to use it this year. 
Last edited on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 01:00 am by CarolynLawrence
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Terry
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 01:13 am |
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Can I start with scotch tape?
Yes, I want him to have a little break during the day, but if he REALLY wants to take another class, I will let him. In the end, he may choose not to on his own if there is nothing available that interests/challenges him. (I am hoping for that )
Yes, the college counselor will be the one who does his recommendation and checklist. He has already met with her and she has given him colleges to look at based on his resume (activity list?) test scores and transcripts. He still emails her to keep in touch - she has asked him to keep her up to date on new accomplishments. At this time, he is working on his apps and essays. Almost done. His two favorite teachers have offered to write his rec letters so he is a very happy kid!
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warblers
Member
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 02:01 am |
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Terry wrote:His concern is that since he has taken 7 academic classes every year, to take just 6 senior year will make him look bad.
One thing he needs to keep in mind, which I don't think anyone has mentioned, is that college applications can take up a lot of time. Many applications (particularly non-Common App and/or highly selective colleges) require a great deal of time and effort. Scholarship applications can be at least as lengthy, some of them requiring 4+ essays each. In terms of time management, the application process can be considered another class.
Carolyn wrote:
If he's worried about being bored, and LIKES to be challenged - then, really, there won't be much harm to letting him give it a go. I applaud kids like that! Again: what is the worst that could happen? Ditto. As long as he's getting enough sleep and is having sufficient fun, I say let him try his schedule. I don't know how rigorous those classes are at his high school, but it certainly seems like a very doable schedule. Last edited on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 02:02 am by warblers
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Terry
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 02:42 am |
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You make a very good point about scholarship applications......
He started on his college admissions apps and essays early and hopes to be done by summer - I believe that only two of his schools don't take the common app- BUT scholarship applications is a whole other project that we have not even begun to tackle. Thanks for reminding me!
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 03:23 am |
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Terry wrote: Can I start with scotch tape?
LOL!!! That comment really DID make me laugh out loud. For doing that, I am crowning you  for the day.
(PS -- my mouth - and opinions - are WAY too big for a measly little piece of scotch tape to ever contain them. )
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Terry
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 03:43 am |
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Yay!
Queen for the Day!
Thank God no swimsuit competition......
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Descartes
Super Moderator
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 03:54 am |
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A poem:
Senior Year
Duct tape here, duct tape there
I want duct tape all around.
My opinions I’d like to share,
But many I should not let sound!
Shiny grey with gluey glaze,
It sticks to my lips and nose
Lest I utter some word or phrase
About the choices my child chose.
Its bitter taste upon my tongue
Reminds me every day
Independence is better won
When I choke back what I could say.
So give me more and more
Of that sticky, nasty stuff
That my child is made ready for
The times when the going gets tough.
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CarolynLawrence
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 06:00 am |
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Descartes wrote: A poem:
Senior Year
Duct tape here, duct tape there
I want duct tape all around.
My opinions I’d like to share,
But many I should not let sound!
Shiny grey with gluey glaze,
It sticks to my lips and nose
Lest I utter some word or phrase
About the choices my child chose.
Its bitter taste upon my tongue
Reminds me every day
Independence is better won
When I choke back what I could say.
So give me more and more
Of that sticky, nasty stuff
That my child is made ready for
The times when the going gets tough.
Well, heck, Descartes, now I will have to name you for the day as well. Thanks for the laugh!!! Wow, you are talented. I am going to have to repost that somewhere so it can be saved. A true classic.
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Descartes
Super Moderator
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Posted: Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 06:14 am |
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Well, as it is now the next day (at least here in the Central timezone) and I will not, therefore, be depriving Terry of all the recognition she deserves, I will accept. Fortunate, too, because if it had come down to a bikini contest, I am sure I would have lost.
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